Table of Contents
Iodine is an essential trace element that combines with the amino acid tyrosine to form thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroxine (T4) contains four iodine atoms, and triiodothyronine (T3) contains three iodine atoms.
Iodine deficiency is recognized as the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world. Even moderate deficiency results in a loss of at least 10 – 15 IQ points.[i] And the reason we’ve added iodine to our list of essential nootropics.
Insufficient iodine is not only a problem in developing countries. Studies have found even in Western countries; iodine deficiency has become a critical health problem.[ii]
Your thyroid gland absorbs iodine from your blood supply to make and release thyroid hormones. Your thyroid affects every cell in your body and brain through the hormones T4 and T3.
Within your brain, T4 is converted to T3 by selenium which then affects gene expression controlling metabolism within cells. And activates the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Malfunctioning thyroid function which is often caused by insufficient iodine results in poor cognition, difficulty learning, problems with recall, depression and anxiety.
Iodine helps:
- Neurotransmitters: Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormone receptors in the brain help regulate the production and use of all important neurotransmitters.
- Brain Energy: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones which help control cellular metabolism and energy use within brain cells. Supplemental Iodine usually results in increased energy levels and feelings of well-being.
- Neuroprotectant: Iodine can kill bacteria, fungal infections, and viruses. Iodine will remove fluoride, chlorine and bromine.[iii] And helps your body detox heavy metals like mercury and cadmium that other detox methods can’t remove.
Overview
Iodine is an essential trace element needed for the creation of thyroid hormones in your body. Iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
The most abundant source of Iodine in our diet comes from seafood like kelp, saltwater fish, seal meat, whale meat, oysters, mussels and lobster.
Iodine is also found in beans, milk and milk products, eggs, spinach and vegetables grown in or produced from soil rich in iodine. Typically found near coastal areas of the world.
The most seriously iodine-deficient parts of the world are mountainous and inland areas. Including much of the agricultural producing areas of Western countries like Australia, Canada, USA and Europe.
Iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland for the production of thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland in your brain releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) instructing your thyroid to release T4 and T3.
T4 and T3 are produced by combining tyrosine (thyroglobulin) with iodine and released into your blood stream. Thyroid transport proteins then carry the hormones to target cells all over your body including your brain.
Nearly all of your body’s functions in nearly every tissue rely on thyroid hormones. Their actions and influence are so wide ranging that you cannot live without them.
Thyroid hormones affect brain development, heart rate, lung function, blood function, bone growth, steroid hormone production, including the breakdown of sugar, fat and protein. And even some immune processes.
Iodine is even involved in how the other nootropics in your stack are utilized by cells in your brain. The bottom-line is Iodine could be one of the most important additions to any nootropic stack.
How does Iodine work in the Brain?
Iodine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Iodine is critical for neurotransmitters. Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormone receptors in the brain help regulate the production and use of all important neurotransmitters.
Not enough iodine results in too little T3 and T4 in your body. Symptoms of inadequate thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) include insomnia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, dry skin and hair, cold sensitivity, frequent and heavy periods for woman, and joint and muscle pain.
- Iodine is required for a healthy immune system. Iodine is antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and has anticancer properties.
Your thyroid is the main storage site for iodine. But this mineral is also concentrated in your glandular system including your salivary and sweat glands. Ovaries, breasts, pancreas, cerebral spinal fluid, skin, stomach, prostate and your brain all contain high concentrations of iodine.
Iodine is a powerful method for removing heavy metals and halides like fluoride, chlorine and bromine from your system. These chemicals compete for the same thyroid receptors in cells used by thyroid hormones. So removing these toxins will help thyroid hormones do their job of gene expression and metabolism.
How things go bad
Iodine is needed by the thyroid to produce the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones that enter your circulatory system. And are transported throughout your body. Every cell has receptor sites for thyroid hormones.
Neurotransmitters are used by neurons to communicate with one another. The presynaptic neuron releases a neurotransmitter which then binds to a receptor on the postsynaptic cell.
Here we’re going to explore how neurotransmitters relate to the endocrine system and thyroid health. And what can go wrong.
Thyroid hormones are involved in the gene expression needed for neurotransmitter release.[iv] Low levels of iodine result in low levels of thyroid hormones which result in low neurotransmitter levels.
Iodine and Serotonin
Several studies have shown that low T3 results in reduced levels of serotonin in the brain. If you don’t respond to SSRI’s for depression it could be due to a thyroid hormone imbalance.[v] The result is depression.
Iodine and GABA
In animals and humans there is a direct link between thyroid levels and GABA. Thyroid hormones affect enzymes responsible for synthesis and degradation of GABA, levels of glutamate and GABA, GABA release and reuptake, and GABA(A) receptor expression and function.[vi]
GABA is your brain’s natural Valium. GABA can help turn off stress after you get upset. Or even prevent a stress response in the first place. Low iodine results in low levels of thyroid hormones affecting GABA. Which can lead to depression or anxiety.
Iodine and Dopamine
Thyroid hormones play a role in dopamine release in the brain.[vii] One study showed that an imbalance between thyroid hormones and dopamine could be responsible for restless leg syndrome.[viii]
Iodine and Acetylcholine
Thyrotrophic-releasing hormone (TRH) increases acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis.[ix] One study showed that those with hypothyroidism had significantly decreased acetylcholine in the hippocampus. And that administration of T4 normalized ACh levels.[x]
Insufficient iodine can result in hypothyroidism. And negatively affect ACh synthesis in the brain. Affecting cognition, memory, learning, recall and mood.
Not enough iodine in your diet negatively affects neurotransmitters in your brain. And can result in depression, brain fog, anxiety, learning and memory problems, and ultimately lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Iodine benefits
Most neurohackers associate Iodine with the thyroid because Iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones T4 and T3. But Iodine is also concentrated in your salivary glands, stomach, breasts, ovaries, eyes and in your brain.
Deficiency in Iodine in any tissue will cause problems in that area of your body. And weaken your immune system. Symptoms of low Iodine show up as brain fog, skin problems, fibroids, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue.
Iodine can kill bacteria, fungal infections, and viruses. Iodine will remove fluoride, chlorine and bromine.[xi] And helps your body detox heavy metals like mercury and cadmium that other detox methods can’t remove.
Iodine helps prevent and even reverse breast cancer. And helps prevent mental retardation in young children.
Your brain needs sufficient Iodine for cognition through several mechanisms of action. This essential element is involved in gene expression that controls the synthesis of neurotransmitters in your brain. And how they work.
Iodine helps remove fluoride throughout your body including your brain. Studies show that fluoride can damage your brain, reduce intelligence, and impair memory. Fluoride has even been associated with dementia according to a study by The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.[xii]
One recent study showed that water fluoridation in England is linked to higher rates of underactive thyroid.[xiii] One of the simplest things you can do to boost cognition and your thyroid is to stop using fluoridated water and toothpaste. And start supplementing with Iodine to remove the fluoride toxicity and boost thyroid health.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders are considered one of the biggest worldwide public health problems today. Studies around the world show none of us are immune from Iodine deficiency. Estimates range from 10 – 90% of the world population don’t get sufficient Iodine depending on where you live.[xiv]
Adding Iodine to your stack if you are deficient is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to prevent and even cure a host of health problems. Including boosting cognition and memory.
How does Iodine feel?
Many neurohackers report an increased level of focus, energy, memory, and cognitive ability when supplementing with Iodine.
You should also experience improved quality of sleep. And have an overall improvement in mood.
Others report a profound difference in energy levels, they are more alert, and fatigue in the afternoon disappears. A few even report a significant improvement in tinnitus.
Iodine Clinical Research
One of most common reasons we use nootropics is to boost memory and mental energy. Memory loss drastically reduces quality of life. And simple brain fog makes it difficult to accomplish the simplest of tasks.
Research has shown that Iodine is involved in memory, learning and cognition on several levels. And supplementing with Iodine is one of the most fundamental things you can do to boost cognition.
Iodine raises the world’s IQ
The world’s greatest concentration of iodine deficient countries in the 1990’s was the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Worldwide, about 2 billion people or a 3rd of the world population get too little iodine.
Studies show that iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of mental disorders. Even moderate deficiency lowers intelligence by 10 – 15 IQ points.
The most visible and severe effects manifest as goiters, dwarfism and cretinism. Ever hear someone use the derogatory term “cretin” to describe someone with low intelligence?
Cretin describes a child born and raised with severe mental disabilities, small stature and weakness all due to not enough Iodine in the mother’s diet when she was pregnant.
In Japan, people get Iodine from seafood, seaweed, vegetables grown in Iodine-rich soil or animals that eat grass grown in that soil. But even in wealthy nations like the USA and the UK, people still need to supplement. Usually by using iodized salt. Or adding it to their stack as a supplement.
According to Dr. Gerald Burrow, a former dean of Yale’s medical school, “For 5 cents per person per year, you can make the whole population smarter than before”. Simply by adding iodine to the salt supply.
Back in the old Soviet republic, Kazakh children were stunted compared to same-age Russian children. A survey of 5,000 households in 1996 found that 10 percent of children were stunted. And iodine deficiency identified as the main culprit.
In Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan campaigns were run promoting iodized salt. Salt companies were persuaded to add iodine to salt before putting it in stores.
In Kazakhstan in 1999, only 29% of households were using iodized salt. Now, 94% of households are. And in 2007, the United Nations certified the country officially free of iodine deficiency disorders.
In raising the world’s IQ, the secret’s in the salt.[xv]
Iodine deficiency and ADHD
A 10-year study conducted in Italy investigated the children born to 16 women from an iodine-deficient area (Area A) and 11 control women in an iodine-sufficient area (Area B).
ADHD was diagnosed in 11 of the 16 children born in Area A but none in Area B. Total IQ score was nearly 20-points lower in Area A children compared to Area B.
The researchers noted that the prevalence of ADHD in children born in Area A could only be compared to similar children with a resistance to thyroid hormones.
And that iodine-deficiency was the likely cause of ADHD due to a critical reduction in intracellular thyroid hormone T3 available to the developing brain.[xvi]
Iodine Recommended Dosage
Recommended Iodine dosage is very difficult because everyone needs different amounts based on your body’s ability to use the Iodine. And the level of exposure you have to daily toxins like fluoride, chlorine, and other halides.
If you are dealing with a severe health problem, then your dosages would need to be higher that someone trying to maintain good health.
Maintenance and for optimal cognition – Natural health doctors have been recommending up to 50 mg of Iodine per day. But I’ve since revised my recommendations based on the latest research and potential health problems caused by iodine toxicity.
The maximum adult dosage for adult is 1 mg Iodine per day. Recommended maintenance dosage is the same.
Cancer – Cancer is a result of mutated cells. Iodine is critical for the P53 gene which prevents damaged cells from dividing.[xvii] Iodine and selenium helps P53 do its job of eliminating abnormal cells. Cancer patients have used 50 – 300 mg of Iodine per day successfully.
Supporting supplements to take with Iodine include:
- Selenium – 200 mcg per day. Selenium is required for the production of T3. And assists in detox.
- Vitamin C – 2,000 – 5,000 mg per day helps support thyroid symporters which transport thyroid hormones through the body including across the blood-brain barrier. And assists in detox.
- Magnesium – 400 mg per day. See my post on Magnesium as a nootropic.
Iodine should be taken with food particularly if you have a sensitive stomach. The supporting supplements can be taken at the same time as your Iodine dose.
Iodine should be taken early in the day because it can increase energy levels so much you could have problems sleeping.
Iodine Side Effects
Most forms of Iodine can cause diarrhea and bloating. Particularly at higher doses. Those with a sensitive stomach could experience stomach pain and is the reason we suggest taking Iodine with food.
It is also possible to overdose on Iodine. So please start at a lower dose and see how your body reacts. Symptoms of Iodine overdose include abdominal pain, delirium, fever, vomiting and shortness of breath.
Iodine is a powerful method for removing toxins and heavy metals from your body which can also produce unpleasant effects. If you experience flu-like symptoms when starting Iodine its very likely you’re feeling the effects of toxins being flushed out of your cells and your body.
For more on Iodine toxicity, here’s information from Nature Reviews Endocrinology.
Types of Iodine to Buy
Iodine is sold in many forms but the main thing to look for; does the product contain both Iodine and Iodide. Your body needs both forms. Breasts look for Iodine and the thyroid needs Iodide. Contrary to some sources; your body cannot convert supplemental Iodine to Iodide.
Also important is to understand and recognize the difference between milligram (Mg) doses vs. microgram (Mcg) amounts. Mcg doses is how most mainstream as well as integrative health practitioners recommend Iodine dosage .
Recommended forms
I highly recommend Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Iodine which is pure and produced using NutriGenesis® technology which is a highly bioavailable form of Iodine.
Other options include:
- Lugol’s liquid – Iodine/Potassium Iodide – 2% and 5% solutions. 2% solution is 2.5 mg/drop and 5% solution is 6.25 mg/drop
- Iodoral – Lugol’s formula in pill form – Iodine/Potassium Iodide – 12.5 mg and 50 mg
- Biotics Research Iodizyme – 12.5 mg per tablet of Iodine/Iodide
- Tri-Iodine by Vitaminlife – 12.5 mg per tablet of Iodine/Iodide
Other forms not recommended
- “Nascent Iodine” which is iodine in its atomic state and is a very low dose. Not enough to detox heavy metals, fluoride, bromine and chloride. Or to saturate tissues.
- Iosol which is Iodine only, and the micro doses have the same issues as Nascent Iodine
- Prolamine which has 3 mg of Iodine and 20 mg of Calcium may be too low to detox the body and saturate tissues
- Pure Encapsulations, Solaray, Source Naturals, Progressive Labs and NOW all offer mcg doses of Iodide only
- Kelp because of low Iodine status, not being able to determine levels of Iodine and possibly toxic due to arsenic and halides
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Iodine up to 1 mg per day
I recommend using Iodine as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Iodine on its own. So to get its benefits it needs to come from your diet. Or you must take it as a supplement.
Iodine is especially helpful for those dealing with brain fog, poor cognition and memory, low energy levels and a sluggish thyroid.
Iodine is also particularly useful to help rid your body of the daily toxins we’re exposed to every day including heavy metals, fluoride, chloride, bromine and other halides.
While most forms of Iodine are helpful for overall health, keep in mind it’s the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 which influence cognitive health.
Thyroid hormones are produced from tyrosine and Iodine. And the production of T3 from T4 requires selenium which should be a part of your stack when using Iodine.
I recommend an Iodine supplement which contains both Iodine and Potassium Iodide to boost cognition.
Iodine is a fast-acting nootropic that can also help prevent brain degeneration later in life.
I highly recommend Performance Lab® NutriGenesis® Iodine which is pure and produced using NutriGenesis® technology which is a highly bioavailable form of Iodine.
Join The Discussion - 259 comments
Vic
April 8, 2020
What about people who have NO THYROID gland at all?? Mine was removed completely with two follow-up I-131 treatments. That was 30 years ago, and I take Synthroid now, and forever. I do have symptoms of brain fog, dry skin, weight issues (not overweight though), etc., Can I still get the benefits of taking Iodine (I don’t eat salt at all) without a real thyroid in my body? What would you suggest? I’m very interested in trying Iodine therapy. Please respond.
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Vic, best thing is to work with a naturopathic or integrative medicine doctor. Or endocrinologist who know what they’re talking about (I haven’t met one yet).
It’s likely that Iodine, selenium, Vitamin C and magnesium would help you because they are all involved in making thyroid hormone. Synthroid needs all the help it can get to make thyroid hormone in your body.
Marcia New
April 6, 2020
Hi David: My thyroid gland was cut out due to 2 goiters appearing 2 years apart. With no thyroid gland, I have taken supplemental thyroid for 40 years. Restless legs are a real problem. I’m thinking iodine is the missing link. Dosage recommendations?
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Marica, if you decide to use Iodine please include Selenium, Vitamin C and magnesium as described above in “Dosage Notes”. But only you can determine the amount of Iodine your body needs. Start with 1 mg per day for awhile and see how you feel.
Restless legs are usually caused by problems with norepinephrine which is created from dopamine. Thyroid hormone is made from L-Tyrosine which is a precursor to dopamine, and Iodine along with the cofactors I mentioned above.
You may need to supplement with L-Tyrosine as well.
Sloan
March 12, 2020
I’m confused by your dosing, it says you went from recommending 50mg before to 1mg now due to iodine toxicity but all of the supplements you recommend have way more than 1mg of iodine per dose
David Tomen
March 12, 2020
Sloan, I first wrote this review 3-4 years ago. And research is ongoing at a furious pace around the world. There are still some ‘old-time’ naturopaths who preach high dose Iodine for various reasons.
But all of the latest research has got me convinced that unless you’re treating something like radiation poisoning you’re safer with a much smaller dose of Iodine. You absolutely need it every single day. But your system can only use so much. And most gets excreted before it does anything from what I’ve seen.
When the Linus Paul Institute at Oregon State explains in detail why 1 mg of Iodine per day for adults is the best dosage, I believe them.
R. David Young
May 28, 2020
Thank you, I was wondering about this too. So, start at 1mg maybe go from there to see how your body responds and how you feel… Plus all your noted caveats as clearly laid out above… Thank you!! This is great info!
Stefan
October 6, 2020
Hi, sorry, where does the LPI recommend 1 mg per day, please?
Not on the page https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iodine as far as I can see. What I see is “Linus Pauling Institute Recommendation: The RDA for iodine is sufficient”. And that is 150 μg/day. Thank you!
David Tomen
October 6, 2020
Stefan, I used to have a much higher recommended dosage for Iodine. Then a few months ago a couple of naturopaths brought to my attention the problems of Iodine toxicity which can be a very serious problem. So I did a ton of research and came away convinced that for this audience the only safe dosage was on average 1 mg per day of Iodine.
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends 150 mcg (o.15mg) per day for adults, 220 mcg per day for pregnant women, and 290 mcg per day for breastfeeding women.
It’s nearly impossible to take such a small dose of Iodine like 150 mcg because it’s hard to find a supplement with such a small dose. So 1 mg per day was a safe alternative.
DANA TRETINA
December 1, 2020
Most multivitamins have 150 mcg iodine which is what I’m back to taking. I did the iodine protocol and got up to 50 mg, and stopped after 8 months of continuous weight gain!
Sherylin Matthew
March 11, 2020
Yes I do feel like crap. Aching in my joints, drowsy all the time but can’t sleep more than 4 hours.
If I just bulldog it through I will get over this right? And come out ok right?
Just put up with some unpleasantness for a few days and basically done?
Thanks again David for all of your help. I also hope that adding comments to youtube works out great for you as well. 🙂
David Tomen
March 11, 2020
Then you are very likely detoxing. But there’s no need to overdo it. Think of it this way. If you’ve been Iodine deficient for a few years or even a decades it’s not going to make much difference if it takes you several weeks to get back on track. Slow and easy is better than feeling like crap.
David Tomen
March 11, 2020
Sherilyn, I’ve done more research after my last response to your questions today. There’s much more evidence from most health professionals including integrated medical doctors that high dose Iodine is not necessary. And it’s likely toxic. I’ve revised my recommendation based on this to an upper limit of 1 mg Iodine per day.
But don’t panic! Because a lot of that Iodine is secreted during the day by your system. Temporary higher doses of Iodine for detox is one thing. But long-term high doses I’ve found with the latest evidence can cause real problems. I’m talking months and months of high doses.
So if you think you are benefiting from the detox you can keep up your current dosage if you can stand it. For the long-term I’d recommend like most others to scale it back to at most 1 mg per day.
Sherylin Matthew
March 12, 2020
Sounds good to me. Ok so a week of this and then cut down to 1MG per day, got it.
I don’t mind the “feeling like crap” part if I know it is helping me out here.
Thanks once again for all of your help. And yes, 1 mg a day is a LOT different than 50 mg a day LOL.
So with one drop being 5 mg I am wondering if I should only take it maybe once a week then?
David Tomen
March 12, 2020
That should work.
Sherylin Mattehw
March 9, 2020
Hi David.
I just finished watching your youtube video on this and I have a question that is perplexing me.
The bottle of iodine I am using says the following.
Lugol’s solution 2%
Distilled water 94%, Potassium Iodide 4%, Iodine 2%
There is nothing else indicating amounts. Nothing stating micrograms or miligrams etc.
It uses an eyedropper to take it.
I am at a loss to know how many drops to take of this.
I currently take one drop but have not seen any benefits so far.
So how many drops would you recommend to get the 50 milligrams you recommend.
Thank you for your time and patience with us. 🙂
David Tomen
March 9, 2020
Sherylin, to great resources are Lugol’s FAQ page: https://www.jcrowsmarketplace.com/faq.aspx
And another warning from a doctor about Lugol’s dosing mistakes which is worth a read: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4495864/
Sherylin Matthew
March 9, 2020
Thank you VERY much for this information. 🙂
Ok so according to this article:”Therefore the total Iodine plus Iodide is 1.0 + 1.5 = 2.5 mg and 2 drops is about 5.0 mg’s of iodine/iodide (2.0 mg iodine, 3.0 mg iodide).”
And you recommend 50mg a day.
So I would need 10 ‘vertical’ drops of this stuff per day.
That sounds like a lot at first. However, as I do not seem to be gaining much at the moment I am willing to give it a try for a week.
Do you think a week will be long enough to notice good or bad symptoms?
Thanks you again for everything you do for us David. 🙂
David Tomen
March 11, 2020
Sherylin, a week should do it. Iodine is fat-soluble so it is stored in fat cells until your body needs it. And it takes awhile to “bank” or build up your iodine stores.
But keep in mind that since it’s fat-soluble you need to take it with a healthy fat to ensure it gets used by your body. It’s the fat the carries it past cell walls. So either take it with a meal containing healthy fat or oil. Or a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil.
Sherylin Matthew
March 11, 2020
Thanks, I take all of my vitamins etc with a table spoon of organic unrefined virgin coconut oil. 🙂
Ok so only take 50 mg for a week? And then after that how much?
I am currently taking 5 drops [I waited for your reply before doing ten] of iodine, 200 mcg of selenium, a multi B complex, 3 grams of vitamin C, CoQ10, and Ginko Biloba.
I take this right after my breakfast of 3 eggs every morning.
So you mention storing up and banking this. Does that mean I should cut down after a week?
If so, then to how much?
Thank you again David. 🙂
David Tomen
March 11, 2020
Sherilyn, natural health doctors are now recommending a minimum of 50 mg of Iodine per day. Not per week.
But keep in mind Iodine is a powerful method for removing toxins and heavy metals from your body which can produce very unpleasant effects. So you may want to get up to that dosage over a few days. Esp. if you start feeling like crap. That would be a flood of heavy metals circling around in your bloodstream.
Ritch
March 5, 2020
Hey, great article. So just to clarify with kelp – you’re saying its tough to get a specific dose because of the different varieties, is that right? And Lugol’s is better choice so you can measure out an optimal 50-100mg dosage? Thanks.
David Tomen
March 6, 2020
Ritch, that is correct. There’s no way to measure “how much” iodine you’re getting from Kelp. Just like many nootropics that come originally from food.
Lugol’s has been around a long time and has a great reputation for know what they’re doing with Iodine. And for putting out quality product. It’s the most consistent and safe way to get iodine into your body.
Nancy B
February 12, 2020
Started taking 50mg of lugols, 10 drops of 2% twice a day with selenium. Also take 1 hr after iodine dosing a calcium
/ magnesium /zinc combo supplement, nutritional yeast for b vitamins, cod liver oil, TMG, 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses (for iron), fresh turmeric root orange juice concentrated shot and a 2 mg copper supplement.
Minimal side effects of detox, cognitively I can tell a big difference taking iodine.
Reading posts online from other bloggers where they share their journey, quite a few taking 100 mg daily of lugols with co-factors. Weight loss and improved cognitive function reported.
My question, what is the max upper dose of lugols? I have read what is not used is passed through urine after 5 hrs. Not that I would consider more than 100 mg daily, but one blogger states he went from 100 mg to 300 mg then 2100mg. Seems like the body would be dumping a lot of that after the 5 hrs cycle.
Thank you for your information and videos.
David Tomen
February 14, 2020
Nancy, please go up and read the “Side Effects” section of this review because I describe some of the symptoms you should be aware of when using higher doses of Iodine.
I think 2100 mg of Iodine is just nuts and would not recommend that to anyone.
That’s one of the problems of the Internet. Anyone can say anything. Unfortunately, there are some people in the world who have no consideration for others. And how they might influence dangerous behavior.
Chris
February 8, 2020
I have nascent iodine. After reading everything here, it seems there is no point in using it and that Lugol’s should be the kind taken. Is that right?
David Tomen
February 8, 2020
Chris, all of the research I came across and work by doctors who have been recommending Iodine for decades insist that the only effective form of Iodine to supplement with is either Lugol’s or in the same form as Lugol’s. Other forms were not as effective in raising your body’s iodine levels to what it should be.
Pilly
February 22, 2020
My doctor lowered my thyroid meds by 1/3 because my results were low. But i felt very good. So I knew right away It would have an adverse effect on me. Within 2 weeks I started getting exhausted, tired and wanted to stay in bed. She retested after 6 weeks and was proud of the results but ignored my symptoms. She would not test my free t3 or free t4. Just tsh. Anyway, i decided i could not live my life like a zombie anymore. Id been through it afew years ago. So i was researching the thyroid supporting mineral and vitamin supplement. I had purchased nascent a few years back a took it then. But i nevere remembered it helping. On Wednesdays i went indoor track to walk and barely got 1/2 mile before i had to go home and fall into bed. My legs and muscles were hurting. I was having horrible symptoms.
Anyway thursday morning an hour after my thyroid meds i took w drops of nascent iodine. Within and hour i was off to walk and finished feeling way better than i had inthe last 5 weeks. I took the same 2 drops friday and feel fantastic. I dont know but this iodine is in fact helping me function.
Thank you
David Tomen
February 22, 2020
Pilly, I feel your pain about your doctor. I fired 6 endocrinologists before I was finally able to find a naturopath who was willing to work with me. The majority of American doctors are idiots when it comes to thyroid health. And I will never make apologies for that statement. Not until the American Medical Association wakes up and tells their members to learn to listen to their patients instead of the pharmaceutical companies.
If you’re feeling brave and end up seeing this doctor again, ask her “how thyroid hormone is synthesized in the human body”. And then ask what makes up T4 and T3. Bet you she can’t answer that question. And if she says “Synthroid” please fire this doctor and find another quickly.
Couple of suggestions … change to Lugol’s Iodine and you should feel even better. And add 200 mcg of Selenium to your daily supplements.
BTW, scroll back up this review and there’s an explanation on how thyroid is made. It involves iodine, selenium and L-Tyrosine.